Hermetic pressure transducer

ABSTRACT

A port fitting is formed with a closed, pedestal end forming a diaphragm on which a strain gauge sensor is mounted. A support member is received on the pedestal end and is formed with a flat end wall having an aperture aligned with the sensor. A portion of a flexible circuit assembly is bonded to the flat end wall with a connector disposed over the support member. A tubular outer housing is fitted over the several components and its bottom portion is welded to the port fitting while its top portion places a selected load on an O-ring received about the connector as well as internal components of the transducer. In one embodiment, a loading washer ( 72   a ) is disposed over the O-ring on a first portion ( 70   a ) of a two portion connector ( 70 ) and retained by a second connector portion ( 70   b ). Protrusions ( 76   a   1 ) formed on the tubular housing ( 76 ) pass through cut-outs in the second connector portion to place a load on the loading washer. To facilitate assembly, the connector is attachable to the support member in one embodiment by legs of an EMC shield ( 74 ), with the shield coupled to the connector by wedging tabs ( 74   c   6 ) and in another embodiment by direct engagement of legs of the connector. In one embodiment a shroud ( 92 ) is removably received on the connector to protect elongated terminals extending therefrom. One embodiment is provided with an enhanced environmental seal including a resilient grommet ( 112 ) retained by a snap cap ( 114 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Copending application Ser. No. 09/723,139, filed Nov. 27, 2000 and application Ser. Nos. (Attorney Docket Numbers A41890, A41905, A41906) filed of even date and assigned to the assignee of the present invention contain subject matter similar to that contained herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to pressure transducers and more particularly to such transducers using strain gauge technology for sensing pressure change to produce an electrical signal related to such change and employing electronics for processing and amplifying the signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Although the use of strain gauge technology for converting changes in fluid pressure to related electrical signals is known, there exists a need to provide transducers which are more easily manufacturable and which have improved reliability and optimum life expectancy. There is also a need to minimize the cost of producing the transducers so as to make it more economically feasible to use them in given applications and thus increase manufacturing volume with resulting savings in large volume manufacturing techniques.

[0004] In copending application Ser. No. 09/723,139, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a pressure transducer using strain gauge technology is disclosed and claimed comprising a tubular port fitting having a fluid receiving opening at one end and a closed, integrally formed diaphragm at an opposite pedestal end, an angular orientation feature and a locking feature for locking receipt of a support member on the pedestal end. The support member has an apertured flat end wall received over the diaphragm portion, the aperture being in alignment with strain gauge sensor elements glass bonded to the diaphragm portion. A flexible circuit assembly having a first lobe section for mounting electronic components is bonded to the rigid, flat end surface of the support with an opening aligned with the aperture in the flat surface. A second lobe section of the flexible circuit assembly is positioned on a seating surface of a connector mounted on the support member, the connector mounting terminals with free distal ends extending into an electronics chamber in which the seating surface is disposed. The free distal ends are received through apertures in the second lobe section and soldered to respective circuit pads thereon. Wires are ultrasonically bonded both to the strain gauge sensor elements and to circuit pads on the bonded lobe section of the flexible circuit assembly and encapsulated by silicone gel.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a cup-shaped EMC shield is received in the electronics chamber over the first lobe section of the flexible circuit assembly, the shield provided with tabs which extend outwardly through openings in the connector's sidewall beyond the outer periphery of the connector's walls. An intermediate portion of the flexible circuit assembly extending between the lobe sections is bent into a generally U-shaped configuration with wall portions of the connector locking onto the support member. An hexagonal metal housing member is received over the body of the connector with the EMC shield tabs spring biased into electrical connection with the housing member and with the housing member applying a selected load on an O-ring placed in a circumferentially extending groove formed in the sidewall of the connector body, the housing being welded around its lower periphery to a support flange of the port fitting to form a fluid seal and to maintain the loading on the O-ring.

[0006] In a second embodiment made especially for miniaturization, the connector has an elongated portion mounting terminals having spaced apart circumferentially extending contact portions. A ground ring is mounted on an external surface of the connector and the housing is formed with radially extending tabs at one end which are biased into electrical engagement with the ground ring when the housing is welded to the port fitting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an environmentally sealed pressure transducer which is particularly conducive to ease of assembly with minimal chance of misalignment of components during assembly which could cause damage to sensitive components within the transducer. Another object of the invention is the provision of a transducer with optimized yield and life expectancy. Another object is the provision of a transducer having elongated free length terminals for use with selected welded connections to terminals of ancillary equipment and for means to prevent bending of such terminals during assembly, handling and shipping. Yet another object is the provision of an improved environmental seal including a seal particularly adapted for use in harsh environmental conditions. Still another object is the provision of a transducer having improved reliability of electrical connections between an EMC shield and a ground conductor.

[0008] Briefly described, the pressure transducer made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vertical stack of components of the type disclosed in the above referenced copending application including a tubular port fitting having a diaphragm at a pedestal end with strain gauge sensor elements mounted on the diaphragm, a support member having an end wall formed with a sensor element receiving window formed in the end wall, the support member mounted on the tubular port fitting, an electrically insulative connector mounting terminals received over the support member forming an electronic chamber between the support member and the connector and with a flexible circuit assembly bent into a U-shaped configuration received in the electronic chamber. An EMC shield having terminal receiving apertures has an end wall disposed between the connector and the flexible circuit and is connected to the connector by spring tabs wedged against sidewalls of a slot in the connector. The shield is formed with first and second legs, the first legs having at their distal free ends a foot extending out of the plane of the respective first legs adapted to be biased into engagement with a ground conductor of the flexible circuit assembly. The second legs have a catch and an outwardly extending cam portion at their distal free ends for being cammed outwardly when pressed against the outer periphery of the support member until the catch is received in a window formed in the support member thereby interconnecting the connector/EMC shield sub-assembly and the support member with the first legs of the shield being in engagement with the ground conductor of the flexible circuit assembly. The interconnection of the second legs of the EMC shield and the support member facilitates the proper alignment of the vertical stack of components during the assembly process, i.e., until a later assembled O-ring applies a compressive force on the stack.

[0009] According to a feature of the above embodiment, the connector comprises first and second separate body portions with an O-ring received on the first portion and a loading washer disposed over the O-ring. The second connector portion has a central hub receivable in a cavity of the first portion with a plurality of terminals extending through the central hub and down through bosses of the first connector portion and through the apertures in the EMC shield. The second connector portion is ultrasonically welded to the first portion and has an end wall retaining the O-ring and washer with the end wall formed with cut-out portions about its outer periphery so that protrusions formed on a housing can pass through the cut-outs and apply a suitable load on the O-ring through the washer. The load on the washer is applied and maintained by attaching the housing to the tubular port fitting as by welding. The washer serves to evenly distribute forces on the O-ring and prevent localized over-compression in the O-ring.

[0010] In another embodiment, an EMC shield in the form of a ring is insert molded into the connector with the ring having an exposed upper, radially extending surface forming an O-ring seat. The connector is formed with downwardly extending legs formed with a catch receivable in respective windows formed in the support member for positive attachment thereto. A tubular housing member is formed with an annular flange at an end thereof which serves to apply a loading force to an O-ring disposed on the seat to provide an environmental seal as well as to maintain a compressive force on the stack of vertically aligned components.

[0011] According to a feature of this embodiment, terminals extending through the connector may be provided with an extended free length portion to facilitate welding to an ECU unit or the like. A shroud is provided with terminal receiving grooves or bores removably interconnected with the connector to protect the terminals and prevent bending of the terminals during assembly, handling and shipping.

[0012] In another embodiment, a transducer particularly adapted for use when exposed to harsh environments comprises a connector having an elongated tubular neck in which a well is formed. An insulative insert having lead receptacle bores formed therein is received in the well. The insert supports a resilient grommet retained in the well by a snap cap. The grommet is a generally cylindrical member having longitudinally extending through holes for wires extending from the receptacles, a center gland extending around the outer cylindrical periphery and a plurality of cylindrical protrusions extending downwardly from the bottom face to provide space relief and avoid over-compression. Wire leads connected to the terminals within the insulative insert provide orientation insensitivity.

[0013] Additional objects, features and methods of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, combinations and methods particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 1-1 of FIG. 1(a) of a transducer made in accordance with copending application Ser. No. 09/723,139;

[0016]FIG. 1(a) is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 transducer;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the port fitting and support flange shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 2(a) is a top plan view of the pedestal end of the port fitting of FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 2(b)-2(b) of FIG. 2(a);

[0020]FIGS. 3 and 3(c) are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the support member of the FIG. 1 transducer;

[0021]FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3(a)-3(a) of FIG. 3;

[0022]FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3(b)-3(b) of FIG. 3;

[0023]FIGS. 4 and 4(b) are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the connector of the FIG. 1 transducer;

[0024]FIG. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4(a)-4(a) of FIG. 4;

[0025]FIG. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4(c)-4(c) of FIG. 4(b);

[0026]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the EMC shield of the FIG. 1 transducer;

[0027]FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5(a)-5(a) of FIG. 5;

[0028]FIG. 5(b) is a top plan view of a flexible circuit of the FIG. 1 transducer prior to being bent into the U-shaped configuration of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIGS. 6 and 6(a) are front elevational and top plan views, respectively, of a transducer made in accordance with a second embodiment of Ser. No. 09/723,139;

[0030]FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6(b)-6(b) of FIG. 6(a);

[0031]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a pressure transducer made in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7(a)-7(a) of FIG. 7;

[0033]FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7(b)-7(b) of FIG. 7;

[0034]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the connector and EMC shield sub-assembly of FIG. 7;

[0035]FIG. 8(a) is an elevational view of the FIG. 8 sub-assembly taken prior to ultrasonically welding two portions of the connector together;

[0036]FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 8 sub-assembly taken on line 8(b)-8(b) of FIG. 8 taken prior to ultrasonically welding two portions of the connector together;

[0037]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the EMC shield of the FIG. 8 assembly inverted relative to FIG. 8(b);

[0038]FIG. 9(a) is a front elevational view of the FIG. 9 shield;

[0039]FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 9(b)-9(b) of FIG. 9;

[0040]FIG. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 9(c)-9(c) of FIG. 9;

[0041]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the second connector portion of FIG. 8;

[0042]FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 10(a)-10(a) of FIG. 10;

[0043]FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outer housing of the FIG. 7 transducer;

[0044]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing details of the attachment of the connector, EMC shield sub-assembly of FIG. 8 to the support member of the transducer;

[0045]FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a pressure transducer made in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0046]FIG. 13(a) is a top plan view of the FIG. 13 transducer;

[0047]FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 13(b)-13(b) of FIG. 13(a);

[0048]FIG. 13(c) is a cross-sectional view taken on line 13(c)-13(c) of FIG. 13(a);

[0049]FIG. 13(d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken through the connector, EMC shield sub-assembly of FIG. 13;

[0050]FIG. 13(e) is an elevational view, partly in cross section, of the pressure transducer of FIG. 13 showing details of the interconnection of the connector and the support member;

[0051]FIG. 13(f) is a perspective view of the support member of FIG. 13(e) showing a connector leg receiving window;

[0052]FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another modified pressure transducer particularly adapted for use in harsh environmental conditions;

[0053]FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view of a sealing grommet of the FIG. 14 transducer; and

[0054]FIG. 14(b) is an elevational view of the FIG. 14(a) grommet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] As shown in copending application Ser. No. 09/723,139, FIGS. 1 and 1(a) show an assembled pressure transducer 10 comprising a metallic tubular port fitting 12 having a first closed pedestal end with an integrally formed diaphragm portion 12 a, and an elongated, open, coupling end 12 b. A support flange 14 is fixedly attached to the port fitting as by hermetically welding thereto intermediate to the pedestal end and the coupling end. A support member 16 is disposed over the pedestal end and received on the support flange. The support member 16 is provided with an end wall 16 a having a flat surface 16 b formed with an aperture 16 c therethrough aligned with a central portion of the diaphragm portion. A connector 18 formed of electrically insulative material is disposed on the support member with a circuit or electronics receiving chamber 18 a formed between the connector and the support member and with an EMC shield 26 received in the cavity. An O-ring 28 is received in a seating groove formed in the connector with a metallic housing member 30 welded to the support flange and placing a selected sealing load on the O-ring.

[0056] In more specific detail, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 2(a) and 2(b), port fitting 12 is formed with an open elongated coupling end 12 b forming a fluid pressure receiving chamber 12 c which extends up to an integrally formed diaphragm portion 12 a in the pedestal end. Suitable mounting means, such as thread 12 m, is provided on the elongated coupling end. A sensor assembly 22, mounted on the external, flat surface of diaphragm portion 12 a, comprises strain gauge elements 22 a attached to the diaphragm portion by glass material 22 b with the glass material bonded to both the strain gauge elements and the diaphragm surface in accordance with conventional strain gauge techniques.

[0057] An outwardly radially extending support flange 14 is received on annular shelf 12 d of the fitting and welded at 12 e all around the periphery to form a hermetic seal.

[0058] The pedestal end of port fitting 12 is provided with an angular orientation feature for placement of support member 16 comprising a longitudinally extending flat surface 12 k which converts an otherwise circular cylindrical configuration to a non-circular configuration for reception of a complimentary shaped seating surface in support member 16 to be discussed. A locking feature for support member 16 is also formed on the pedestal end in the form of an outwardly, radially extending generally annular lip 12 h which preferably is also formed with a flat 12 k formed at the same angular position of port fitting 12 as that of flat 12 f.

[0059] Support member 16, best seen in FIGS. 3 and 3(a)-3(c), formed of suitable metal or plastic material, has an end wall 16 a having a substantially flat, rigid support surface 16 b provided with a generally oblong aperture 16 c through end wall 16 a. A pedestal receiving seat is formed by discontinuous inner wall members 16 d, 16 e and 16 f. Two opposed members 16 d and member 16 e form a portion of a circular cylinder while member 16 f includes a flat surface complimentary to flat surface 12 f of the pedestal. Opposed members 16 d serve as legs formed with a radially inwardly extending catch 16 i at their distal free ends which are receivable over lip 12 h. An inclined camming surface 16 g (FIG. 3(a)) is formed on the distal free end having a surface continuing on to the respective catch 16 i to cam leg members 16 d outwardly as the support member is placed onto the pedestal end and surface 16 g is pressed against lip 12 h. Support member 16 is also provided with a load bearing outer wall 16 h which extends from the outer periphery of end wall 16 a. Wall 16 h is slightly longer than wall members16 d, 16 e and 16 f. Opposed longitudinally extending grooves 16 k are formed in outer wall 16 h leaving opposed ledges 16 m which serve as a locking feature for connector 18, to be discussed. The outer periphery of support member 16 is also provided with an angular orientation feature for placement of the connector in the form of a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs, two ribs 16 n having a first width and a third 16 o having a second, different width.

[0060] Support member 16 is placed on the pedestal end of port fitting 12 with load bearing wall 16 h received on flange 14 and the pedestal end received in the seat formed by wall members 16 d, 16 e and 16 f and locked thereto in a selected angular orientation with aperture 16 c in alignment with a central portion of the diaphragm portion 12 a.

[0061] Connector 18, with particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 4(a)-4(c), formed of suitable electrically insulative material, comprises a body portion 18 b which mounts a plurality of elongated electrically conductive terminals 20 in spaced apart relation to one another. The terminals are identified on body portion 18 b, as seen in FIG. 4, as 1, 2 and 3. The terminals extend through body portion 18 b providing a distal end portion 20 a for connection to a flexible circuit assembly 24, to be discussed. A sidewall 18 c extends in one longitudinal direction from body portion 18 b forming a shroud enclosing the exposed terminal members. Also formed in the outer periphery of the connector in the vicinity of the body portion is an O-ring seating groove 18 d formed with the outboard or shroud side 18 e of the connector defining the groove having a smaller diameter than the opposite side 18 f in order to expose a selected surface area of an O-ring disposed in the groove, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0062] The connector is preferably formed with at least a portion having a selected non-circular outer peripheral configuration 18 g, such as hexagonal, on the opposite side of body portion 18 b from the shroud to facilitate mounting of the transducer, and with a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. Opposed leg portions 18 h are formed with an EMC shield seating shelf 18 k and an inwardly, radially extending catch 18 m. Legs 18 n are spaced from one another sufficiently to form a passage for receipt of flexible circuit assembly 24 and to receive therebetween ribs 16 n, 16 o of support member 16 when the connector is assembled thereto as well as to allow spring tabs 26 d of an EMC shield 26 to extend out beyond the connector, to be discussed below. When assembled, the outer peripheral portions of end wall 16 a and lip 26 c of the EMC shield are received on ledge 18 k and catches 18 m are received over ledge 16 m to lock the connector in a selected angular orientation to the support member and port fitting.

[0063] EMC shield 26, FIGS. 5 and 5(a), formed of suitable metallic material, is generally cup-shaped having an end wall 26 a and sidewall 26 b depending therefrom formed with an outwardly radially extending flange 26 c from which extend a plurality of spring tabs 26 d. Cut-out portions 26 e are provided to allow passage of flexible circuit assembly 24 into electronic circuit cavity 18 a. Although only one cut-out portion 26 e is required, providing three such portions spaced 120 degrees apart facilitates proper orientation of the shield in the connector. Shield 26 is placed in the transducer after the flexible circuit assembly is installed as will be described below.

[0064] With particular reference to FIG. 5(b), flexible circuit assembly 24 comprises a flexible substrate comprising first and second lobe portions 24 a, 24 b interconnected by an intermediate strip portion 24 c, the substrate being formed of suitable electrically insulative material. Lobe portions 24 a, 24 b preferably include stiffener material to which the substrate material is bonded while lobe portion 24 a includes a layer of adhesive. Appropriate circuit traces 24 d of copper, preferably plated with nickel and gold, are applied to the substrate. Lobe portion 24 a is bonded to the flat, rigid surface 16 b of support member 16 with generally oblong opening 24 e aligned with aperture 16 c of the support member.

[0065] As described in copending application Ser. No. 09/723,139, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by this reference, terminals 20 are received through openings 24 f of lobe portion 24 b and soldered to conductive pads on the lobe portion with the connector in a convenient inverted orientation. Sensor elements 22 a are connected to circuit pads on lobe portion 24 a by suitable conductive wires (not shown) with this portion encapsulated by suitable electrically insulative material 22 d (FIG. 1). The EMC shield is placed in connector 18 with annular lip 26 c received on shelf 18 k and with tabs 26 d extending between wall portions 18 h, 18 n out beyond the outer periphery of the wall portions. Connector 18 is then inverted to the position shown in FIG. 1 and catches 18 m of wall portion 18 h are snapped onto ledges 16 m. O-ring 28 is then inserted in O-ring seat 18 d and metallic housing 30 is placed over connector 18 as seen in FIG. 1 with flange 30 a of the housing welded to flange 14 forming an hermetic seal. The downward movement of the housing relative to connector 18 causes inclined, frustoconical surface 30 c to place a compressive force on O-ring 28 forming a fluid tight seal and maintaining an axial load on the entire stack of components. The load on housing member 30 through the O-ring helps to maintain intimate electrical connection of the ground trace on flexible circuit assembly 24 and flange 26 c of EMC shield 26 by means of forces transferred through shelf 18 k. Tabs 26 d of the EMC shield extending outwardly beyond the sidewall members of connector 18 are spring biased into electrical engagement with the inside wall of housing member 30.

[0066] The embodiment of a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6, 6(a), 6(b), comprises structure which is particularly conducive to making a miniaturized transducer useful for certain applications in which available space is especially limited, for example, when used for vehicular brake pressure transducer applications. Transducer 40 made in accordance with this embodiment comprises a tubular port fitting 42 having a bore 42 a extending from one end to a diaphragm portion 42 b in a pedestal end 42 c. Strain gauge sensor elements are mounted on diaphragm portion 42 b as in the FIGS. 1-5 embodiment. A support member 44, similar to support member 16, is received on pedestal end 42 c and a connector 46 of electrically insulating material is received on support member 44. A metallic tubular housing member 50 is disposed over the body portion of the connector and extends to a mounting annular shelf 42 e on port fitting 42. A spring ring 52 and a gasket 54 are received in respective annular grooves 42 f, 42 g in the outer periphery of port fitting 42. A suitable plug 56 is received in bore 42 a of port fitting 42. Plug 56 consumes most of the volume of the blind hole and is provided with passages to allow fluid being monitored to pressurize the diaphragm portion of the sensor. A circuit chamber 46 b formed in connector 46 receives a flexible circuit assembly 58 similar to flexible circuit assembly 24 of the FIG. 1 embodiment and a plurality of terminals extend through the connector in spaced apart relation and have respective circular contact portions 48 h, 48 f and 48 d, each having a progressively smaller diameter disposed at longitudinally spaced locations on an exposed surface of a generally tapered, elongated connector portion 46 a.

[0067] Terminal 48 e comprises cylindrical contact portion 48 d disposed at the small outer diameter end of mounting portion 46 a with an elongated portion extending therefrom through mounting portion 46 a into a circuit chamber 46 b. The next adjacent cylindrical contact portion 48 f has a slightly larger outer diameter and is spaced longitudinally from contact portion 48 d. Contact portion 48 f has an elongated portion 48 g which extends therefrom through mounting portion 46 a into circuit chamber 46 b. The next adjacent cylindrical contact portion 48 h has a still larger outer diameter and is spaced longitudinally from contact portion 48 f and has an elongated portion (not shown) which extends therefrom through mounting portion 46 a into circuit chamber 46 b. A ground ring 48 m is disposed on radially outwardly extending annular shelf 46 c.

[0068] Housing 50, an open tubular cylindrical member formed of electrically conductive material has a mounting flange 50 a at one opposite end and a plurality of inwardly and downwardly projecting tabs 50 b at its opposite end 50 c. The housing member is received over a portion of connector 46 and support member 44 with one end 50 a received on shoulder 42 e of tubular fitting 42 and with tabs 50 b biased against conductive contact ring 48 m. The housing is suitably attached to fitting 42 as by welding.

[0069] Transducer 40 is assembled, as is transducer 10 of the first embodiment, by snapping support member 44 onto the pedestal end of port fitting 42. One lobe portion of flexible circuit assembly 58 is securely bonded to rigid flat surface 44 b of the support member and the partial assembly is placed adjacent to an inverted connector 46 in the same manner as in the first embodiment with the seating surfaces for the lobe portions lying in essentially the same plane. Flexible circuit assembly 58 is formed similarly to flexible circuit assembly 24 with an oblong opening aligned with aperture 44 c of the support member and the strain gauge sensor elements (not shown) bonded to diaphragm portion 42 b in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

[0070] Connector 46 is then inverted with intermediate portion of the flexible circuit assembly folded into a U-shaped configuration and with the connector received on the support member. Housing member 50 is then placed over the connector and support member and welded to port fitting 42 and plug 56 is inserted to complete the assembly.

[0071] The transducer of FIGS. 7-12 provides a first preferred embodiment made in accordance with the invention particularly adapted for miniature transducers of the type shown in FIG. 6 but having structure to enhance assembly, to provide an EMC shield for maximum shielding as well as an attachment mechanism between the support member and the connector particularly useful during the assembly process and to provide an enhanced sealing mechanism. With particular reference to FIGS. 7, 7(a) and 7(b), miniature transducer 60 comprises a tubular port fitting 62 similar to port fittings 12 and 42 having a pedestal end with a diaphragm portion 62 a on which a sensor assembly 22 is mounted in the same manner as sensor assembly 22 of the FIG. 1 structure. Support member 64 is received over the closed pedestal end of port fitting 62 and has an end wall 64 a with a flat top surface to which lobe portion 66 a of flexible circuit assembly 66 is bonded and with sensor assembly 22 electrically connected to electrically conductive traces on lobe portion 66 a by suitable wires 22 b. The flexible circuit assembly is bent into a U-shaped configuration as shown in FIG. 7(a) with lobe portion 66 b interconnected with terminals 68 mounted in connector 70. Connector 70 has first and second interfitting portions 70 a, 70 b. As best seen in FIGS. 7(a), 7(b) and 8(b), generally cylindrical portion 70 a serves as a base and has an end wall 70 c provided with terminal receiving apertures 70 d extending through end wall 70 c and bosses 70 e depending downwardly from the end wall. Sidewalls 70 f define a downwardly extending, centrally disposed cavity 70 g. The outer portion of sidewall 70 f is formed with a tapered O-ring seating surface 70 h extending from an upper reduced diameter straight cylindrical portion 70 f 1 to a lower larger straight cylindrical portion 70 f 2 which is preferably formed with a diameter reduced relative to that of end wall 70 c to provide space for an O-ring, to be described, to expand into. O-ring 72 is received around cylindrical portion 70 f 1 on seating surface 70 h. For purposes of illustration, the O-ring is shown in the drawings in the axial position after loading although the deformed configuration is not shown. A loading washer 72 a is received around cylindrical portion 70 f 1 on top of O-ring 72.

[0072] Connector portion 70 b, see FIGS. 8(b), 10, 10(a), has an upper end wall 70 j from which a centrally disposed hub 70 k extends downwardly and is received in cavity 70 g. A plurality of spaced apart cut-out portions 70 j 1, 70 j 2 are formed in the outer periphery of end wall 70 j for a purpose to be described below. End wall 70 j is formed with an annular groove 70 m on its lower surface around hub 70 k which is aligned with the upper wall portion 70 f 1 when hub 70 k is placed in the cavity. The distal free end of wall portion 70 f 1 preferably is formed with a ridge 70 n to facilitate ultrasonic welding of the two connector portions together after O-ring 72 and washer 72 a have been mounted with the plastic flash being confined to groove 70 m. This locks the O-ring and washer in place during assembly and also seals cavity 70 g. Terminal assembly 68 comprises individual terminals 68 a-68 d insert molded in connector portion 70 b as best seen in FIGS. 10 and 10(a). Individual terminals 68 a-68 d comprise an upper contact plate portion received on end wall 70 j and an elongated terminal leg extending through hub 70 k. Connector portion 70 b is placed on connector portion 70 a with hub 70 k received in cavity 70 g and with the terminal legs extending through bores in end wall 70 c and bosses 70 e.

[0073] An EMC shield 74, see FIG. 8(a), 8(b) and shown separately in FIGS. 9, 9(a)-9(c), is composed of suitable electrically conductive material having good spring characteristics. The EMC shield has an end wall 74 a formed with a plurality of enlarged terminal receiving apertures 74 b and with first legs 74 c extending upwardly, as seen in FIGS. 9, 9(a)-9(c), from the outer periphery of end wall 74 a. Legs 74 c are each formed with a shelf or foot 74 c 1 at their distal free end, the shelves lying in a plane generally parallel to a plane in which the end wall 74 a lies. Preferably, protrusions 74 c 2 are formed in shelves 74 c 1 for a purpose to be discussed below. A pair of diametrically opposed second attachment legs 74 c 3 also extend upwardly (as shown in FIGS. 9, 9(a)-9(c)) from the outer periphery of end wall 74 a, each having at their distal free ends, an inwardly extending catch surface 74 c 4 and an outwardly inclined camming surface 74 c 5. A pair of attachment tabs 74 c 6 extend upwardly from end wall 74 a adjacent each leg 74 c 3, one tab on each opposite side of a respective leg. The tabs are inclined outwardly and are spaced slightly inboard of legs 74 c 3, i.e., closer to the center of end wall 74 a, for a purpose to be described below.

[0074] EMC shield 74 is attached to connector 70 with bosses 70 e of first connector portion 70 a received through apertures 74 b in end wall 74 a. Legs 74 c 3 are received in slots 70 q between legs 70 p, 70 r of the connector with attachment tabs 74 c 6 wedged into engagement with the sidewalls of the slots to provide a connection of the EMC shield and the connector during assembly. Legs 74 c are located in board of legs 70 p depending from first connector portion 70 a with shelves 74 c 1 extending over the distal free end of legs 70 p.

[0075] O-ring 72 and loading washer 72 a are placed on connector portion 70 a and connector portion 70 b is attached thereto as by ultrasonically welding (see FIG. 8(b)). The flexible circuit assembly is mounted on connector 70 in the same manner as described in copending application Ser. No. 09/723,139 referenced above but with end wall 74 a of the EMC shield disposed between the connector and the flexible circuit. The connector, shield sub-assembly is attached to the support member 64 (FIG. 12) by attachment legs 74 c 3 which are forced outwardly by angled portion 74 c 5 engaging the outer periphery of support member 64 and are received in respective windows 64 a 1 of wall 64 a of the support member and with catches 74 c 4 engaging with ledges 64 a 2 of the support member. The free distal end of angled portion 74 c 5 extends outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the sidewall of the support member for electrical engagement with housing 76 to be described. With reference to FIGS. 8(a), 8(b) and as noted above, attachment legs 74 c 3 are received in respective slots 70 q between legs 70 r, 70 p extending downwardly from end wall 70 c as seen in FIGS. 8(a), 8(b). The distance from the upper edge of ledge 64 a 2 (FIG. 12) to the upper surface 64 b 1 of each end wall 64 b relative to the distance from catch 74 c 4 to the outer surface of shelves 74 c 1 is selected so that protrusions 74 c 2 of the shelves are biased into engagement with contact pads on flexible circuit assembly 66. The length of legs 70 r is essentially the same as the length of legs 70 p plus the thickness of shelves 74 c 1 so that EMC shield 74 serves as a means for attaching connector 70 to support member 64 through EMC shield legs 74 c 3. Optimum electrical connection through protrusions 74 c 2 of shelves 74 c 1 is effected on final assembly of the transducer by means of the compressive force on the stack of components provided by housing member 76 through O-ring 72. Legs 74 c with shelves 74 c 1 backed up by walls 70 p serve to stabilize the connection of the connector and EMC shield with support member 64.

[0076] The attachment mechanism provided by attachment tabs 74 c 6 which enables the connection between support member 64 and connector 70 during assembly facilitates the final assembly of the housing and prevents separation of the components caused, for example, by the straightening force of the stiffened U-shaped flexible circuit.

[0077] As seen in FIG. 11, outer housing 76 is configured as a cylindrical tube of suitable electrically conductive material and is formed with a plurality of protrusions 76 a having an inwardly extending wall portion 76 a 1. The protrusions are spaced from one another and are formed so that they are alignable with cut-out portions 70 j 1, 70 j 2 of connector 70 and fit within such cut-out portions and are located from lower end face 76 b of the housing a distance selected to apply a compressing force on O-ring 72 through loading washer 72 a which in turn places a load in the direction of the longitudinal axis on the stack of components including connector 70, flexible circuit assembly 66, support member 64 and port fitting 62. The inside diameter of housing 76 is chosen so that the housing fits freely over the O-ring so that the O-ring does not make significant contact with the housing until the bottom wall 76 a 1 of protrusions 76 a, aligned with cut-outs 70 j 1, come into engagement with washer 72 a and the O-ring is forced to expand on the inclined connector surface 70 h. This feature facilitates obtaining an easy assembly that does not result in large assembly forces that could endanger other fragile aspects of the transducer. The angle of inclined surface 70 h is such that during assembly the O-ring exerts a downward force on the sensor components while expanding outwardly to make an environmental seal with the inside wall of housing 76. The space formed by wall portion 70 f 2 and housing 76 enables the O-ring to expand into it when exposed to high temperatures or in the event that component tolerances are at their extremes. Without this space, the stresses in the O-ring could be large enough to induce significant compression set leading to a loose sensor stack. Housing 76 makes electrical engagement with the free ends of angled portions 74 c 5 and is forced into engagement with port fifting 62 and is welded thereto at end 76 b around the periphery of the housing. O-ring 72 maintains the compressive force on the sensor stack ensuring that the electrical connection between EMC shield 74 and the flexible circuit ground ring is reliable. Loading washer 72 a ensures that the compressive force exerted by the housing is evenly distributed across the O-ring so that compression set and creep do not result in a failed connection. As noted above, connector portions 70 a, 70 b are formed so that they can be ultrasonically welded together trapping O-ring 72 and washer 72 a in the assembly. This ensures that the components do not fall apart during assembly while also sealing a potential leak path.

[0078] The provision of loading washer 72 avoids the development of highly concentrated loads which could lead to relaxation of the elastomer and eventual loosening of the sensor stack. A loose sensor stack can result in a failed connection between the EMC shield and the flexible circuit ground ring. Additional damage induced by vibration is also likely with a loose stack. Thus the sealing system utilized in the FIGS. 7(a), 7(b) transducer provides compression on the components while avoiding localized over-compression to maintain a reliable connection while making an environmental seal between the housing 76 and the connector 70. This takes place within a limited space and the design of the components allows for manufacturing without difficult assembly sequences that could result in other damage.

[0079] FIGS. 13, 13(a), 13(b), 13(c) show another preferred embodiment made in accordance with the invention of the type shown in FIG. 6. Transducer 80 comprises a port fitting 82, sensor assembly 22 mounted on diaphragm 82 a, support member 84, flexible circuit assembly 66 and connector 86 in which terminals 88 are insert molded similar to like components of transducer 60 of FIGS. 7(a), 7(b). The wires connecting sensor assembly 22 and the flexible circuit assembly and the encapsulant are not shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration but are the same as in the previously described embodiments.

[0080] An EMC ring 90 is insert molded in connector 86 with an exposed annular shelf 90 d supported by an outwardly, radially extending flange 86 a of the connector. Elongated legs 90 a extend downwardly from ring 90 and are provided with an outwardly flared free distal end portion 90 b for electrical engagement with housing 92. EMC ring 90 preferably has a terminal portion 90 c (see FIG. 13(e)) which extends downwardly through a connector body 86 b for electrical connection to the flexible circuit assembly 66, as by soldering. As seen in FIG. 13(d), connector 86 is provided with downwardly extending legs 86 c having a radially inwardly facing, laterally extending groove 86 d for receiving an exposed portion of end wall 84 b of support member 84 and lobe portion 66 a of the flexible circuit assembly. The distal free end of legs 86 c are receivable in windows 84 c formed in sidewall 84 a of support member 84 and end wall 84 b best seen in FIG. 13(f). The distal end portion of legs 86 c have a beveled surface 86 e for engaging the inner edge portion of the windows to bias the distal free end portions outwardly allowing end wall portion 84 b and the flexible circuit portion to be received in the groove. In this embodiment, groove 86 d engages with end wall 84 b without having to change the outer circumference of the connector relative to the support member. Housing 92, formed of electrically conductive material, is configured as a tubular cylinder formed with an inwardly, radially extending flange 92 a at its upper end forming an opening to closely receive the upper portion of body 86 b of connector 86 and with flange 92 a aligned with the exposed annular shelf 90 d. O-ring 94 is disposed on the exposed shelf of EMC ring 90 and is compressed when housing 92 is brought down with end 92 b butting up against a seating ledge on tubular fitting 82 and is welded thereto with the compressed O-ring forming an environmental seal and transferring the compressive force to the stack of sensor components.

[0081] Transducer 80, shown in FIG. 13, is provided with an elongated portion 88 a of the terminals 88 extending upwardly from connector 86 to facilitate welding to bus bars or similar connectors of an ECU (electronic control unit). In order to avoid the possibility of bending the unsupported elongated portion 88 a during assembly of the transducer, shipping and handling, a shroud 96 is provided. Shroud 96 has a body portion 96 a formed with longitudinally extending channels 96 b located about the outer peripheral portion of the body to be in alignment with terminal portions 88 a. The channels can be formed as bores as shown in FIGS. 13(b), 13(c) or, if desired, they could be formed as open grooves. Shroud 96 is also formed with a downwardly extending, centrally located pin 96 c which is receivable in a mating bore 86 f of the connector and with a pair of spaced apart legs 96 d extending downwardly from the outer peripheral portion of body 96 a and receivable in longitudinally extending grooves 86 g formed in the body 86 b of the connector. The outer peripheral portion of body 96 a may be formed with a longitudinally extending angular orientation flat 96 e from which a third, wider orientation leg 96 f extends and is receivable in a mating groove 86 h on a mating flat surface 86 k of connector 86. The at rest position of legs 96 d, 96 f may be formed so that they are inclined inwardly slightly as one goes from the body 96 a out toward the free distal end so that they grasp onto the connector when the shroud is placed thereon while allowing easy removal. As shown in the drawings, a cut-out 96 g is preferably formed at the top of shroud 96 to expose the top of each terminal 88 so that electrical contact can be made for testing without removal of the shroud.

[0082] The embodiment of FIGS. 14, 14(a), 14(b) is particularly adapted for use for applications in which the transducer is exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Transducer 100 is similar to that of FIG. 1 having a tubular fitting 102 provided with a threaded coupling end 102 a as in the FIG. 1 embodiment. Support member 104 and housing 108 are both supported on an annular platform 102 b. The wire bonds extending from sensor assembly 22 and the encapsulant are not shown for ease of illustration but are the same as in the above-described embodiments, as is the flexible circuit assembly. Connector 106 has an elongated tubular neck portion 106 a forming a well in which is received a relatively rigid insert insulator 109 which is provided with bores to receive and retain receptacles for mating with respective terminals 110. The receptacles have a lead attachment portion and are attached to respective flexible lead wires 110 a which in turn extend through and out of a grommet 112, also received in the well and supported by insert insulator 109. Grommet 112, also shown in FIGS. 14(a), 14(b) is a cylindrical body of resilient material such as rubber having through holes 112 a for wire leads 110 a connected to the terminals 110 through the receptacles, a circumferentially extending center groove or gland 112 b and a plurality of spaced apart cylindrical protrusions 112 c extending downwardly from the bottom face surface 112 d. This structure provides optimum compression against both the wire leads and the connector. The cylindrical protrusions provide space relief to prevent over-compression. A snap cap 114 is used to retain the grommet in the well formed in connector neck 106 a. Cap 114 is generally tubular but having longitudinally extending slots to provide stress relief and to define legs 114 a formed with an inwardly extending catch 114 b at the distal free end thereof. Snap cap 114 has an inwardly, radially extending flange or tabs 114 c at its upper and so that when cap 114 is pushed onto tubular neck portion 106 a of the connector, catch 114 b is received in a recessed portion 106 b of the connector and locked by the engagement of catch 114 b with a retainer shoulder 106 c at the upper end of the recessed portion. The inner portion of the recessed portion 106 b can serve as a key which mates with a corresponding keyway in the outer surface of insert insulator 109 to provide an orientation feature to prevent it from being inserted into the connector in the wrong orientation. The use of flexible wire leads results in a device which can accommodate different orientations. As in the other above described embodiments, O-ring 116 is used to seal the opposite end of connector 106 in conjunction with housing 108 as well as to provide compressive force against the sensor components holding them in place.

[0083] Although the invention has been described with regard to specific preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications. 

What is claimed:
 1. A condition responsive transducer comprising a plurality of stackable components including a body mounting a condition responsive sensor, a support mounting an electrical circuit electrically connected to the sensor and a connector having a body portion on which is formed an O-ring seat, an O-ring disposed on the O-ring seat, a plurality of terminals, the connector mounting the terminals in spaced apart relation to one another, the terminals electrically connected to the electrical circuit, a tubular metallic housing having a sidewall and opposite ends and formed with an O-ring force applying surface and being received over the connector with one end received on and sealingly fixed to the body, the distance between the O-ring force applying surface to the one end of the housing selected to apply a compressive force on the O-ring to provide an environmental seal and to apply a compressive force on the stackable components and a loading washer disposed between the force applying surface of the housing and the O-ring to minimize localized stresses in the O-ring.
 2. A condition responsive transducer according to claim 1 in which the force applying surface comprises angularly spaced apart projections extending inwardly from the sidewall of the housing equally spaced from the one end fixed to the body.
 3. A condition responsive transducer according to claim 2 in which the connector comprises first and second portions, the O-ring seat being formed on the first connector portion and the second connector portion formed with an end wall which extends over at least spaced apart portions of the loading washer and O-ring, the second connector portion being attached to the first connector portion following placement of the O-ring and loading washer on the first connector portion.
 4. A condition responsive transducer according to claim 3 in which the end wall of the second connector portion has an outer circumferential periphery formed with cut-out portions alignable with the spaced apart projections. 